His demeanor changed instantly. He took my arm without another word and led me through the rain to a small boutique two blocks from the estate, one of the Salvatore-owned storefronts that lined the Jade Quarter's main avenue. He spoke briefly to the woman behind the counter, and within minutes I was in a back room, peeling off my soaked clothes and pulling on something dry and warm so that I would not fall ill.
When I emerged, Xavier was waiting by the door, his wet hair pushed back from his face, his shirt still clinging to his shoulders. He studied me with an expression I couldn't quite read.
"Are you alright, Mia?" He pulled out his phone. "I'm calling a car to take you home."
I shook my head slowly.
"Are you not coming back with me?"
"I have to handle some things first."
"Are you going to drive Vanessa back to her place?"
"What?" Xavier's head snapped up, and for a fraction of a second, genuine surprise flickered across his face. The surprise of a man who had not expected to be seen through so easily.